Public Works

ALLEY MAINTENANCE INFORMATION MEMO SENT OUT TO RESIDENTS WHO RESIDE ALONG AN ALLEY

WHAT IS AN ALLEY? An alley is a minor private or public thoroughfare other than a dedicated half street, which is less than thirty feet wide, upon which the rear of land or building lots generally abut, and which affords a secondary means of vehicular access to the land, buildings, or lots.

WHERE IS THE ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY? The alley right-of-way is the area just outside your rear property line. In many instances, your fence is on the rear property line, and the alley right-of-way extends from that point to the centerline of the alley. The alley right-of- way is a public easement, and is not private property.WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO MAINTAIN THE ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY BEHIND MY HOUSE? The property owner is responsible for maintaining the alley right-of-way area behind their house or business. This includes keeping weeds mowed, litter and junk picked up, and trimming all trees, bushes, vegetation and shrubs back away from the alley right-of-way.

CITY ORDINANCES REQUIRE THAT:

• Trees, bushes, vegetation, and shrubs be trimmed back away from the alley and to a height of at least 8’ above the alley for vehicle clearance;

• There must be at least a 15’ wide roadway kept open for free movement up and down the alley;

WHAT CAN I STORE IN THE ALLEY? The alley right-of-way is a public easement and no personal property can be stored there.

As the Department of Public Works, we pride ourselves on the effective, efficient delivery of snow removal, roadway maintenance, fleet services, and architectural maintenance services. We provide many services that have a direct impact on City residents, on visitors and on those who have chosen to conduct business in our City.

Our goal is to provide you with a clean and safe environment in which to live, work and play.

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